Most wildfires are caused by us; here's some ways help change that

During the largest burnout operation in the history of the preserve, a Bonneville Hotshot crew firefighter ignites a wall of flames in a section of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge burnout. The burnout strategy to wildfire control uses an intentionally set fire to burn up the fuel in the path of the wildfire.

Daily News

Wildfires do not give an advance warning. They just happen.

Vegetation throughout Southwest Florida is quick to ignite and wildfires spread rapidly. Under dry conditions, these fast-moving fires can quickly overwhelm local fire resources.

Everyone needs to be prepared ahead of time for a wildfire disaster.

Although wildfires occur in South Florida throughout the year, the most active part of the season is March through June — the driest part of our year.

Although lightning is the cause of about 30 percent of local wildfires, 70 percent still are caused by humans — either accidentally or on purpose. These are the needless wildfires that can be prevented by using caution any time we generate flames, sparks or high heat in our everyday work or leisure activities.

Wildfires can damage your home through direct contact by flames or by the intense heat a wildfire causes.

To prevent damage from flames, siding and roofing material used on homes should be non-flammable.

Most vulnerable are the vents and soffits on our homes. It is recommended that these be made of metal so a fire near the base of your foundation will not have easy access to your home's interior structure.

As you prepare your home to survive a wildfire, three basic areas will need attention.

First, make sure the roof and gutters are clear of anything that will easily catch fire — leaves, pine needles, twigs, etc.

Second, the walls of the house need to be clear of anything that will burn — dead brush, flammable vegetation, wood piles, dry mulch, etc.

Third is the area within 30 feet of your home — called the zone of "defensible space." This is an area that can carry a fire directly to your home. This area needs to be mowed regularly, kept clean of twigs, leaves, palm fronds and dry brush, and kept as well-watered as water management guidelines allow.

This area should have bushes and trees spaced apart and trimmed up off the ground. Do the work ahead of time so you won't invite a wildfire home.

Since wildfires can happen at any time of the day or night, a good family evacuation plan is essential. Be sure everyone in the family knows another way out in case the main roads are closed off. Be sure the family knows where to meet in case you cannot get back to your home.

Gerry LaCavera served as a wildfire mitigation specialist and spokesman for the state Division of Forestry in Southwest Florida before his recent promotion to a position in Tallahassee.

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Protecting your home

 Maintain a 30-foot buffer between your home and dense vegetation. Make sure fencing is in good condition.